Nominate Joliet's Biggest Elm Tree

The City of Joliet's Tree Advisory Board has announced its "Big Tree Contest" as part of its 2014 Arbor Day celebration.

This year, the board is looking to find the largest American elm tree within Joliet's city limits.

"While most American elms have been destroyed by Dutch Elm disease, there is still a small population of this majestic vase-shaped tree within city limits," the tree advisory board said in a press release. "We are searching for the largest of these survivors."

American elms can grow from 80 to 120 feet high with a trunk up to four feet in diameter. Their arching branches once formed leafy cathedrals over the streets in many sections of the city. Seeds are greenish and wafer-like. New species of disease-resistant elms now thrive in the cit.

The Big Tree Contest is open to all Joliet residents. The winning tree will be determined by measuring the circumference (distance around the tree 4.5 feet above the ground), the height and the spread of the crown. City Forester Jim Teiber will take official measurements to verify the winner.

The tree may be on public or private property. If nominating a tree that is on someone else’s private property, please ask permission to nominate.

Nominations will be accepted until noon, Friday, April 18, and may be dropped off at City Hall at 150 W. Jefferson St., or mailed to City of Joliet, Big Tree Contest/Forestry Division, 1203 Cedarwood Dr., Joliet, IL 60435. Nomination Forms are available at both Joliet Public Libraries and will be posted online at www.cityofjoliet.info. For more information please call 815-791-8216.

The winner will receive a framed photo of their “Big Tree” with acknowledgement of their honor. The winner will be announced on, or before, Arbor Day, Friday, April 25, 2014. 

To view the Illinois Big Tree Register, which lists champion trees in the State, visit the Illinois Big Tree Register’s Web site